Attachment 5
Memorandum
To:
Faculty Senators
From:
Melody LeHew, Faculty Senate President
Date:
2/3/2010
Re:
Rationale for the Faculty/Unclassified Staff Position Statement
The Kansas Board of Regents clearly expressed their position on the state budget situation in a recent document. They state: “Over the course of the last 18 months, higher education has shouldered its share of the state’s budget burden. Further reductions would devastate an already damaged system and eviscerate that system’s capacity to adequately serve the people of this state.” Their bottom line position is: “Whatever it takes, no more cuts to higher education.” Regents have requested our help in getting this message out to the public. On the next page you will find a position statement developed to articulate the value faculty and unclassified professionals bring to Kansas State University and the state of Kansas as well as a list of general budget cut impacts. The Committee on Governmental Issues is developing a more specific impact fact sheet. The purpose of this document is to bring together key messages we may use to communicate with local businesses, and citizens requesting their support for higher education and our university. These points will send a clear message to state legislators: we concur with Kansas Board of Regents – no more cuts to higher education. Action: We are requesting an endorsement of this position statement from Faculty Senate. K‐State Faculty/Unclassified Staff Position Statement State funding provided to Kansas State University is an investment in the future of Kansas. The dedication of the K‐State faculty and unclassified staff, with the legislature’s funding investment, leads to the success of Kansas and its citizens. Continuous improvements to the instructional methods and student experience enable graduates to become engaged, well‐informed professionals. Research efforts create new knowledge that enhances local and global economies and contributes solutions to societal issues. The faculty and staff willingly invest their time in university governance and outreach activities to positively influence the quality of the organization, educational programs, and Kansas communities. The employees of Kansas State University take pride in their accomplishments. Key outcomes of state investment in Kansas State University include: ¾ Better‐educated citizens ¾ Enhanced job opportunities ¾ Higher standard of living ¾ Well‐prepared educators ¾ Improved agricultural processes ¾ Quality of life programming for communities ¾ Increased tax base and state revenues ¾ Innovative products from research ¾ High‐quality veterinarians ¾ Improved Research for animal health and food safety ¾ Federal and private research dollars invested in Kansas communities ¾ Effective leaders for commerce, community, and Kansas Higher education is vital to the well‐being of society. When state funding for Kansas State University is reduced, there is a negative impact in our ability to provide the services and programs necessary to create a vibrant, prosperous, growing environment for Kansans. Recent budget cuts not only negatively impact students, staff, and faculty at K‐State, but also negatively impact Kansas and its citizens. o From a K‐State student’s perspective: ƒ Adjunct professors, instructors, or graduate students are teaching a larger percentage of classes. ƒ The cost of higher education in Kansas has skyrocketed in recent years. o From a K‐State faculty perspective: ƒ Service responsibilities for faculty are increasing (fewer faculty perform the same service functions) reducing the amount of time they have to write grants and conduct research. o From a citizen’s perspective: ƒ Delayed research projects impede the economic progress of Kansas industries. ƒ Decreased opportunities for outreach programs limit community and personal development. On behalf of the 4,307 faculty and unclassified staff at Kansas State University, Faculty Senate strongly supports – No more cuts to higher education in Kansas.